Dragon Lee WWE deal made weeks ago, AEW’s Tony Khan was aware

More details on the timeline of Dragon Lee signing with WWE have emerged since the news broke Wednesday night.

On Wednesday’s Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that the deal between Lee and WWE was made several weeks ago, but having it be quiet until Wednesday’s AAA Noche de Campeones was part of the deal.

Meltzer also said that AEW head Tony Khan was aware of what what was happening and that Lee & Dralistico were going to defeat FTR for the AAA Tag Team titles with Lee getting the pin.

Moments after winning, the new champions then relinquished the titles after the announcement was made. Meltzer said that based on AAA head Dorian Roldan’s praise of Lee’s signing on social media, he is likely looking for a partnership with WWE.

Meltzer said the impetus for Lee signing was that it was time to make a move given the current situation in Mexico and making money. NJPW, where Lee wanted to work and has in the past, wasn’t an option due to their partnership with AAA competitors CMLL.

Both WWE and AEW were interested in signing Lee with WWE’s interest first being piqued when they learned that he appeared on AEW Dynamite in August without a contract.

Meltzer also added that Lee’s contract is for “NXT money” and not main roster money.